Update: the Preliminary Report of the People's Inquiry has been published - see below for more information. Public hearings will be held in July. Please see here for more information about attending and participating in this process.

This inquiry has been established in response to concerns that the rights of freedom of speech and assembly on Australian university campuses have come under challenge in recent years. Students, university staff, and the general public may be affected by these restrictions. 

These concerns have become particularly acute in the period following the last outbreak of war in Gaza, which has led to a resurgence of protest activity on university campuses. Some universities have banned certain phrases and words associated with the conflict, and others carried out severe discipline against students who have spoken up or protested in defence of Palestine. For example, students at the Australian National University reported receiving correspondence from the university saying they may face discipline if they use the phrase ‘from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’.

The inquiry seeks to investigate freedom of speech as relates to Palestine across Australian university campuses, with the aid of submissions from the public. The inquiry is modelled on other peoples’ inquiries, and has been designed with input by experts with experience in inquiries into the rights of asylum seekers in Australia and the role of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. More information on the scope and aims of the inquiry can be found in the Terms of Reference.

The People's Inquiry has been established by activists, academics, students, and lawyers who have become concerned at the increased suppression of free speech and academic freedom on campuses across the country. More information about the panel members can be found here.

Preliminary Report

The People’s Inquiry into Campus Free Speech on Palestine has published an Interim Report outlining some preliminary findings from the over 150 submissions from university staff and students across the country detailing their experiences of censorship, harassment, and intimidation on the basis of their speech or actions in support of Palestine.

Students and staff expressing support for Palestine have been targeted for surveillance, including eavesdropping on classroom discussion through lecture recording equipment and tracking of students through their use of university Wi-Fi. University events related to Palestine, including talks given by distinguished guest speakers and film screenings, have been cancelled or disrupted with no explanation. 

In all, the actions of university managements across the country have turned campuses into hostile environments for discussion and activism on the question of Palestine. The full Preliminary Report has been published and accompanied by a press statement from the office of Sen. Mehreen Faruqi which you can find here.

How will it work? 

This inquiry was open for written submissions from the public in early 2025. Public hearings will be held in July 2025 - see below for more information. 

Submissions will be assessed by the panel, which will provide a report with findings and recommendations. Details on the submission process are available here, and the panel members can be found here. 

Public hearings

Written submissions to the People's Inquiry are now closed. Public hearings will be held in July. So far, our findings indicate that there have been significant restrictions placed on campus free speech around Palestine, and both staff and students are being targeted for speaking out on the issue. The Inquiry panellists are looking to have further discussions with individuals and representatives of groups with experience or important knowledge about this dynamic. You can find out more and apply to attend here.

Questions can be addressed to contact@palestineinquiry.com.